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Alternatives

5 Forest alternatives for staying focused

Want more than a growing tree? Five Forest alternatives, from Pomodoro timers to full blockers.

Researched from official sources, updated today, 2 min read

Forest is a lovely, simple focus timer, but you may want more: better stats, a desktop app, or stronger blocking. Here are five alternatives from our inventory. Prices were checked on November 1, 2026.

At a glance

Best forPricePlatforms
ForestA playful, free focus timerFree core app; optional Forest PlusiPhone, Android, Chrome
SessionPomodoro with blocking on Apple devicesFree; Pro $4.99/month or $39.99/yeariPhone, iPad, Mac, Chrome
Focus KeeperA classic timer with chartsFree; Pro $3.99/month (App Store)iPhone, Android, Mac, web, Apple Watch
Bento FocusCalm sessions with up to three tasksFree; Premium from $1.99/month (App Store)iPhone
FlocusA focus dashboard in the browserFree; Plus $5/month early-birdiPhone, web, Chrome
FreedomSerious blocking on every deviceFree tier; Premium $39.99/yeariPhone, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Chrome

Forest (the app you are replacing)

Forest grows a virtual tree while you stay focused, with app blocking, group focus and digital-wellbeing tools. The core experience is free; Forest Plus adds advanced features and removes ads.

1

Session

Free plan; Pro about $5/month or $40/year
Session screenshot 1

Session is a Pomodoro timer for Mac, iPhone and iPad that guides work and rest sessions, blocks distracting apps and websites, tracks progress and syncs across devices. The free plan includes unlimited sessions; Pro is $4.99 a month or $39.99 a year.

Pick it if you want a Mac app and blocking built into your timer.

2

Focus Keeper

Free; Pro about $4/month or $35/year
Focus Keeper screenshot 1

Focus Keeper is a Pomodoro timer with task tracking, automatic session history, charts and customizable focus and break lengths. It is free with in-app purchases; the App Store lists Pro at $3.99 a month or $34.99 a year.

Pick it if you want clear stats and a timer on more platforms, including Apple Watch.

3

Bento Focus

Free; Premium about $2/month or $10/year
Bento Focus screenshot 1

Bento Focus is a Japanese-inspired focus timer for iPhone. It limits each focus box to three tasks and adds calm visual themes, routines, focus scores and insights. It is free to download, and Premium starts at $1.99 a month or $9.99 a year on the US App Store.

Pick it if you like Forest's calm feel but want more structure around tasks.

4

Flocus

Free plan; Plus about $5/month or lifetime about $99

Flocus is a customizable focus dashboard with timer modes, priority tasks, focus stats, themes and ambient sounds. The free plan needs no card; Plus has an early-bird price of $5 a month, and a lifetime deal is offered.

Pick it if you work mostly in a browser and want a pleasant focus page.

5

Freedom

Subscription or lifetime licence
Freedom screenshot 1

Freedom blocks apps, websites or the whole internet and syncs sessions across devices. The free tier has limited sessions; Premium is $39.99 a year or $8.99 a month.

Pick it if Forest's gentle approach is not strong enough for you.

Verdict

For a direct upgrade on Apple devices, Session is the best Forest alternative. Focus Keeper suits people who want a classic timer with charts, and Bento Focus is the closest in spirit on iPhone. If you need real blocking, go with Freedom.

Sources

Forest plansforestapp.ccSession pricingwww.stayinsession.comFocus Keeper pricingstaging.focuskeeper.coBento Focusbentofocus.appBento Focus termswww.bentofocus.comFlocus pricingflocus.comFreedom Premium pricingfreedom.to

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